If customers were talking and criticizing my store, I’d know it, Mister Thompson’s logic continued, and I have many satisfied customers. So, if customers are happy and I have nothing to worry about, then, well . . . why this little! Mister Thompson’s focus returned to the boy, and he prepared to deliver a thunderous reprimand when a new thought came to his mind—one that stopped him cold and nearly made him guffaw. Mister Thompson closed his eyes, dropped his chin to his chest, and shook his head slowly from side to side. I’ll be, this little swabbie almost got my goat. Nearly breached my walls. Almost took me lock, stock, and … With his scowl a thing of the past, Mister Thompson raised his chin and said to the boy, “Okay, young man, you had me going there. Takes pluck to try what you did, and I like that. Therefore, I accept your offer, and you have a deal. So, go on back and wash up. And I mean clean. Then get the apron, grab the broom, and start out front.” “Awright! Yes sir, Mister Thompson,” the boy exclaimed. “That’s the way, sir.” The boy snapped a sharp salute and shot his hand out for a shake. Never off-guard, Mister Thompson returned the salute, but then he saw the boy’s hand and the dirt. He looked back to the boy’s face, but without further hesitation, extended his to meet the boy’s. On tiptoes, the boy reached over, grasped Mister Thompson’s hand, and shook it enthusiastically. “Sir, you’ll be mighty glad you did this,” the boy continued. “Yes, sir, you will be. Name’s Johnnie, sir.” “Fine, fine,” Mister Thompson said with a spreading smile, “Nice to meet you, Johnnie.” Taking back his hand and wiping it clean, he nodded to the back of the store and said, “Get going.” But Johnnie was already gone, tearing past the stacks and tables of goods for sale, and seeming to bust with pride and joy that comes from a successful negotiation, honest work, and the promise of a princely payment in candy. “And,” Mister Thompson called after Johnnie, “respect your elders, and don’t cuss.” For good measure, he added a bellowing, “And, be careful!” Lordy, he chuckled to himself, that boy’s going places. The screen door opened, the bell jingled, and in stepped a customer. Mister Thompson looked up, straightened up, adjusted his glasses, squinted against the glare of the sunlight off his perfectly polished floor, smiled, and said, “Good morning, ma’am.” PLAINS 18 paradox